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WINTER: Matt Prior and Monty Panesar to tour New Zealand with England

24-Jan-2013

Sussex duo Matt Prior and Monty Panesar were today named in the England squad for the three-test series against New Zealand in March, whilst Luke Wright is included in the squad for the three T20 matches early next month.

Chris Woakes is the only player in the squad who was not part of England’s recent Test series against India and is yet to be capped at Test level.

The five players not taking part in the ODI series (Compton, Onions, Panesar, Pietersen, Prior) will arrive in New Zealand for a training camp led by England Team Director Andy Flower ahead of the four-day game against a New Zealand XI.

England last travelled to New Zealand for a Test series in 2008, winning the three match series 2-1.

Selectors have made one change to the T20 squad to face New Zealand with Chris Woakes replacing Tim Bresnan who will return to the UK after the current tour of India and consult specialists regarding his right elbow. Bresnan’s availability for the rest of the winter will be determined following medical advice.

Joe Root, Chris Woakes and James Harris have been called into the ODI squad for the three match series against New Zealand next month. Craig Kieswetter will no longer travel to New Zealand with the one day squad with selectors and Craig agreeing that he will instead benefit from a period with Somerset to prepare for the domestic season.

James Taylor will now replace Joe Root as England Lions captain for the limited overs tour of Australia with Stuart Meaker, Rikki Clarke and Craig Overton additions to the squad.

National Selector, Geoff Miller, said: “This series against New Zealand provides an opportunity for the squad to build on the form they showed against India as we start an important twelve months of Test match cricket."